One-handed support for a plate and a beverage container

ABSTRACT

A single-handed support for plates and a beverage container is integrally formed as a single piece. The support includes upper and lower support surfaces which are connected and substantially parallel to each other. A vertically oriented hand-grippable member extends downwardly from the upper support surface. The upper support surface includes a front section sized to hold a food dish. The rear section of the upper support surface has an aperture and retainers to hold a beverage container. The lower surface below the front section of the upper surface is sized to hold a plate and has a plate anchoring member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/218,703 filed Sep. 2, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a combined plate and beverage container holder, and more particularly to a one-handed support for a plate and various size beverage containers which can be stacked for compact storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It often happens that refreshments are served at gatherings where table seating is not available for all guests, and the guests are required to awkwardly juggle a plate, a beverage, eating utensils and a napkin while standing. At a cocktail party, for example, the guest has to hold a beverage container in one hand and a plate with hors d'oeuvres in the other hand and rest the utensils on the edge of the plate. In order to eat from the plate, the guest must first find a place to temporarily set down the beverage. At other social functions the guests often have to shake hands and perform other tasks. Handshaking, gesturing, handing out business cards, opening doors and other motions are hampered if both hands are occupied holding a plate and a beverage container.

Some guests will consolidate the plate and beverage container into one hand, while eating with the other hand, in an effort to consume their food. Other guests may choose to sit at a table in order to eat. However, this restricts their ability to mingle and socialize with the other guests. Guests eager to socialize will often quickly eat their food at a table and then socialize with only a beverage in one hand. This will often detract from the guest's enjoyment of the food.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Various trays and plates have been devised in the prior art which provide a means for holding a plate and a beverage, especially in situations such as cocktail parties where the guest often stands and moves about while eating and drinking. Task, U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,331, discloses a combination hors d'oeuvres, drink and utensil holder in the form of an oval-shaped plastic platform having various recessed compartments, with the beverage holder compartment depending downwardly from the platform and forming a handle for the user to grasp.

Torkelson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,077, discloses a hand-held support plate for serving foods and beverages comprising a rigid plate with various shallow recesses to hold food and drink. The plate includes a thumb aperture so that a thumb of a user can be inserted up through the aperture from the bottom of the plate to provide additional stability.

Xu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,011, discloses a plate formed from a rigid material having a shallow recess for food, a central thumb aperture, and a larger aperture sized to allow the passage of a cup partially therethrough. The user is able to place their thumb through the thumb aperture and use their fingers to grasp the cup in order to hold the plate in one hand.

Cinque, U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,856, discloses a combination plate and cup holder formed from a rigid plastic web having a recessed portion sized to receive and hold a plate and a circular beverage holding aperture having a sufficient diameter to hold a glass. The device also includes utensil and napkin holder aperture.

Cinque, U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,141, discloses a combination plate and beverage holder formed from a rigid plastic having a recessed portion sized to receive a plate, a circular beverage holding aperture provided with prongs adjacent the lower portion to support a beverage container and apertures sized to retain utensils.

Representative design patents in the prior art include Morgan, U.S. Pat. No. D130,770; Waltman, U.S. Pat. No. D159,454; Chadbourne U.S. Pat. No. D185,911; Gilbert, U.S. Pat. No. D195,527; Stageberg, U.S. Pat. No. D214,459; Raines, U.S. Pat. No. D221,035; Robinson, U.S. Pat. No. D226,125; Cox, U.S. Pat. No. D265,154; Powers, U.S. Pat. No. D293,767 and Beute, U.S. Pat. No. D290,919.

While many of these prior art devices may adequately serve their intended purpose, many drawbacks are evident in most of the prior art devices. Many of the prior art devices do not provide adequate upper support for beverage container sitting in the tray, making it likely the container will topple over when the tray is held in one hand. It would be highly desirable to provide a sturdy one-handed support fro a plate and beverage container which would securely support many types and sizes of beverage containers without spilling and which could also be stacked fro compact storage and re-used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A single handed support for plates and a beverage container is integrally formed as a single piece. The support includes upper and lower support surfaces which are connected and substantially parallel to each other. A vertically oriented hand-grippable member extends downwardly from the upper support surface. The upper support surface includes a front section sized to hold a food dish. The rear section of the upper support surface has an aperture and retainers to hold a beverage container. The lower surface below the front section of the upper surface is sized to hold a plate and has a plate anchoring member.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a single-handed support for food plates and beverage containers which is suitable for use at parties and gatherings where limited table seating is available.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a single-handed support for food plates and beverage containers which incorporates a plate anchoring member.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a single-handed support for food plates and beverage containers which is capable of supporting more than a single food plate.

It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide a single-handed support for food plates and beverage containers which includes means to accommodate various size beverage containers, including stemware such as wine glasses and champagne flutes.

It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a single-handed support for food plates and beverage containers which includes structure enabling the support to be placed on a table or other support surface without tipping over.

It is still a further objective of the present invention to enable advertisements or other indicia to be readily attached to said single-handed support.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a single-handed support for food plates and beverage containers wherein a plurality of the supports can be stacked together as a space saving feature for storage or shipping.

It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a single-handed support for food plates and beverage containers which is economical to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view in elevation of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plane view of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the present invention with an advertisement banner placed on one end thereof and

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the present invention securing a plate and a cup thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a single-handed support 10 for a plurality of food plates and a beverage container according to a preferred, albeit non-limiting, embodiment of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment the device is formed from plastic, however any other suitable rigid materials could be used. Also, the preferred embodiment is formed by molding the support into a single element. Other forms of manufacture could also be employed such as assembly of a plurality of individual components. The support 10 includes substantially horizontally oriented upper support 12 and lower supports 14 and 16. The upper support includes front, central and rear sections 24, 25 and 26 respectively. These sections can have any suitable configuration such as circular, square, polygonal, elliptical, etc. In the illustrated embodiment the front sections 24 is approximately circular and the rear section 26 is approximately a square. The upper support 12 is connected to the lower support 14 by a substantially vertically oriented connecting member 18. The upper support 12 is also connected to the lower support 16 by a substantially vertically oriented connecting member 20. The connecting members 18 and 20 are provided with reinforcing members 22 integrally formed thereon, in the illustrated embodiment, but could also be formed without the reinforcements.

The front section 24 of the upper support 12 is provided with a substantially annular grip 27. The grip is constructed to accommodate a bowl type of food container or dish 72 in the illustrated embodiment. Other types of food containers or dishes could also be positioned in the grip 27. The shape of grip 27 would conform to the type of food container held therein. The bowl type of food container in the illustrated embodiment could be used to hold a salad, soup or dessert. Other types of food could also be held in the bowl such as dipping sauces, gravies, etc. The shape of the grip 26 permits the bowl 72 to be readily inserted vertically into the grip while preventing horizontal movement of the bowl. In the illustrated embodiment the grip does not completely encompass the bowl but surrounds a sufficient portion of it to prevent horizontal movement of the bowl.

Lower support 16 is located below and substantially parallel to the front section 24 of the upper support 12. The lower support 16 is connected to the upper support 12 by connecting member 18. The upper portion of connection member 18 is preferably integrally formed with the lower portion of upper support 12, but any other type of connection could also be employed. The upper portion of connection member 18 also provides a support for a portion of the food bowl to help prevent horizontal movement of the bowl. The lower portion of connection member 18 is also preferably integrally formed with the lower support 16, but any other type of connection could also be employed. Supports 28 are formed at the junction of connection member 18 and lower support 14. The supports are sized and positioned to engage the lower side of the curved rim portion of a disposable plate. While the supports 28 are illustrated as arch shaped, any other type of shape could be utilized as long as they function to engage the lower portion of the rim of a plate 70.

A plate anchoring member 30 is attached to a lower portion of connection member 18. The plate anchoring member 30 is integrally formed with the connection member in the illustrated embodiment, but could also be attached employing various other methods of attachment. The plate anchoring member is formed as a resilient deformable member. The anchoring member 30 cooperates with the lower support 16 to function as a clip to hold a plate placed between the anchoring member 30 and the lower support 16. The anchoring member 30 is formed with a plurality of bends 32 and 34. These bends permit the plate anchoring member 30 to exert a downward force in the direction of lower support 16. A rectangular recess 36 is formed in the lower support 16. Bend 34 of the plate anchoring member 30 is aligned with the recess 36 and extends approximately to the level of the upper surface of lower support 16. Bend 34 can also extend below the upper surface and into the recess 36. The shape of plate anchoring member 30 is selected such that bend 34 frictionally engages a plate 70 placed on the lower surface 14 and secures the plate against the lower surface 16. In addition, the anchoring member 30 aids in holding the underside of the rim of the plate against supports 28 to prevent the plate from moving in a horizontal direction, either forward, backward or side to side. This is illustrated in FIG. 7 wherein a food plate 70, a food bowl 72 and a beverage container 74 are shown in their respective locations on the single handed support 10. A cut away of the rim portion of plate 70 illustrates the interaction between the support 28 and the underside of the rim of the plate 70. The end portion 37 of the lower support is formed as a solid member. End portion 37 may also include indicia formed thereon or printed thereon.

The central section 25 of the upper support 12 includes a manual gripping member 38 which extends downwardly from the undersurface of the upper support 12. In the illustrated embodiment gripping member 38 is hollow and has an opening 39 which extends through upper support 12. The gripping member 38 is ergonomically formed to permit a person to wrap their hand around the gripping member and securely hold onto the support 10. The gripping member 38 is preferably located proximate the center of support 10 to enable a person to easily pickup, hold and balance the support once food and drink have been placed on it. The position of the gripping member at the center of the support also enables the support to be readily turned so that either end of the support can be presented to the user for consumption of food or a beverage. Eating utensils may be placed in the hollow gripping member 38. A napkin or other objects may also be placed in the hollow gripping member 38.

In the illustrated embodiment apertures 40 are positioned on both sides of gripping member 38 in the central section 25 of upper support 12. These apertures are designed to hold stemware type beverage containers such as champagne flutes or wineglasses. As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 each aperture 40 includes a slot 42 through which the stem portion of the stemware is passed to allow the stemware to be seated in the apertures 40. Other containers or eating utensils, in addition to the stemware beverage containers, could also be placed in and held by the apertures.

Lower support 14 is located below and substantially parallel to the rear section 26 of the upper support 12. The lower support 14 is connected to the upper support 12 by connecting member 20. Connection member 20 is preferably integrally formed with the lower portion of upper support 12 and lower support 14. However, any other type of connection could also be employed. Connection member 20 preferably includes a reinforcement member 22, but could also be formed without a reinforcement member. The rear section 26 of upper portion 12 includes an annular grip 42. The annular grip 42 is constructed to accommodate and hold a beverage container such as a disposable cup 74, can or bottle therein, in the illustrated embodiment, without spilling. Appendages 44 extend inwardly and downwardly from annular grip 42. The appendages are sized and positioned to engage an outer surface of a beverage container such that the beverage container is positioned substantially centrally of the annular grip 42. The shape of annular grip 42 conforms to the type of beverage container 74 held therein. The annular grip and appendages cooperate to stabilize a beverage container 74 held in the support 10 and prevent spills. The lower support 14 is constructed and arranged to engage the base portion of a beverage container and supports the container thereon. The lower support 14 is in coaxial alignment with the grip 42 and appendages 44, thereby allowing a beverage container to be inserted through the grip 42, appendages 44 and onto lower support 14. The lower support 14 includes a lip 46. The lip 46 prevents a beverage container from sliding off an end of the lower support 14.

The lower sides of upper portion 12, lower support 14 and lower support 16 are provided with reinforcement ribs 48 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The reinforcement ribs 48 are preferably integrally formed with the upper portion 12 and lower supports 143 and 16. They could also be formed separately and attached to the upper portion 12 and lower supports 14 and 16.

FIG. 6 illustrates an optional advertisement banner 50 which can be placed on the rear section 26 of the upper support 12. The banner preferably has two substantially rectangular display surfaces 52 and 54 which are connected to and extend downwardly from a central portion 56. The central portion 56 extends over and substantially covers the top portion of the rear section 26 of upper support 12. The banner is provided with wings 58 that extend downwardly and over a portion of grip 42. The wings include flexible, angular ends 60 which are positioned under and engage the undersurface of appendages 44. These angular ends help to secure the banner to the rear section 26. The banner can also be provided with indicia 62. The indicia can be textual and/or graphical. The indicia may be an advertisement for a product or service. It can also identify a particular group of individuals or particular associations.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 4 the single-handed supports 10 are shaped such that a plurality of them could be stacked or nested vertically together. This feature enables a large number of supports to be stored in a relatively small area. This feature also enables a large number of supports to be shipped without requiring a large shipping container.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A single-hand supported holder for at least one food container and a beverage comprising: horizontally oriented upper and lower rigid supports; a hand gripper member extending downwardly from said upper rigid support; said upper and lower rigid supports being connected to each other with connecting members so that said upper and lower rigid supports are substantially parallel to each other; said upper support having front and rear sections; said front section being sized to receive and hold a food dish thereon; said rear section being sized to receive and hold a beverage container therein; said lower rigid support located below said front section of said upper rigid support being sized to receive and hold a plate thereon; and a plate anchoring structure operable, in conjunction with said lower rigid support, to support a plate on said lower rigid support.
 2. The single-hand supported holder of claim 1, wherein said plate anchoring structure includes a fastening device adjacent said lower rigid support.
 3. The single-hand supported holder of claim 2, wherein said fastening device comprises a manually deformable tension clip attached to said connecting member and being constructed and arranged to grasp an edge of a serving plate placed on said lower rigid support.
 4. The single-hand supported holder of claim 1, wherein said rear section of said upper support includes an aperture therein; beverage container retention structure extending downwardly from said aperture; said lower rigid support located below said rear section of said upper rigid support and having a retention support member thereon; said aperture, said retention structure and said retention support member cooperating to support and retain a beverage container placed therein.
 5. The single-hand supported holder of claim 1, wherein said hand gripper member is ergonomically contoured to facilitate manual gripping.
 6. The single-hand supported holder of claim 1, wherein said lower rigid supports are constructed and arranged to support said single hand supported holder in an upright position on a support surface.
 7. The single-handed supported holder of claim 1, wherein said connecting members are provided with reinforcing members formed thereon.
 8. The single-handed supported holder of claim 1, wherein said single-hand supported holder is integrally formed as a single member.
 9. The single-handed supported holder of claim 1, wherein support ribs are attached to the lower surfaces of said upper and lower rigid supports.
 10. The single-handed supported holder of claim 8, wherein support ribs are integrally formed on the lower surfaces of said upper and lower rigid supports.
 11. The single-handed support holder of claim 1, further including a banner placed on and supported by said rear section of said upper support, said banner including indicia thereon.
 12. The single-handed support holder of claim 1, wherein said upper support further includes a central section located between said front and rear sections; said central section including apertures constructed and arranged to hold beverage containers placed therein.
 13. The single-handed support holder of claim 1, wherein said upper support further includes a central section located between said front and rear sections, said hand gripper member attached to and extending downwardly from said central section.
 14. The single-handed support holder of claim 1, wherein said upper support includes at least one aperture sized for insertion of eating utensils therein. 